Emerald Sakara, the second custom-built, luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, has successfully completed its sea trials, conducted by Captains John Edwards and James Griffiths. The sea trials took place in Vietnam, departing Halong Shipyard on July 3, where all major systems were tested and the yacht was certified for guest operations.
Following the successful sea trials, Emerald Sakara departed Vietnam on July 6 for its relocation to the Mediterranean Sea. The debut sailing—the eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure from Athens to Rome—departs on August 5, 2023 and will call on Itea, Greece, before transiting the Corinth Canal and sailing to Cephalonia, Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri and ending in Rome.
Glen Moroney, founder and chairman, Scenic Group (Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours) said, “We are extremely pleased with how well our newest 100-guest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, performed in her sea trials—she exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re thrilled be able to share our newest gem in less than a month’s time and look forward to offering our guests wonderful experiences in the Caribbean and Central America this fall and winter.”
Emerald Sakara, the second luxury yacht to join the Emerald Cruises fleet, was custom built by The Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam. Its identical sister-yacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in March 2022.
Both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra feature just 50 luxury suites and staterooms, 88 percent of which have a private balcony or terrace. With a maximum of 100 guests, Emerald Sakara offers a new type of exclusive cruising experience, exploring ports and harbors only accessible to small yachts.
Onboard, the open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds, where one can enjoy a cocktail from the nearby Aqua Café. The ship also has a wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym, and a top deck Sky Bar to watch the sun set. Located at the yacht’s stern, the marina platform has kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline. The La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. The ship will have 76 crew members onboard.
After Emerald Sakara’s August debut, the yacht will embark on a summer season exploring the coastal waters of Italy, Greece, Türkiye and the Adriatic. From there, it’s off across the Atlantic where both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra will winter in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Central America. The first Eastern Caribbean and Grenadines sailing is scheduled to depart on November 18, 2023. The yacht will be christened on December 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Additional information can be found at www.emeraldcruises.com
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